RheoNet registry analysis of rheopheresis for microcirculatory disorders with a focus on age-related macular degeneration.

The purpose of establishing the RheoNet registry was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rheopheresis, a specific method of therapeutic apheresis used to treat microcirculatory disorders. Apheresis centers providing rheopheresis therapy and physicians caring for the underlying disease were asked to participate in the registry, and the registry data were analyzed for safety and tolerability. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was selected as a model disease to evaluate efficacy.

Rheopheresis for idiopathic sudden hearing loss: results from a large prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Idiopathic sudden hearing loss (ISHL) has been suggested to precipitate as final common pathway of microcirculatory impairment of the inner ear associated with a variety of etiologies and characterized by a local hyperviscosity syndrome in cochlear vessels. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Rheopheresis, a method of therapeutic apheresis reducing plasma viscosity and improving microcirculation on hearing recovery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive two Rheopheresis treatments, or treatment according to current German guidelines consisting either of i.

Quality of life in patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss: comparison of different therapies using the Medical Outcome Short Form (36) Health Survey questionnaire.

Background: Cause and underlying pathogenic mechanisms of idiopathic sudden hearing loss (ISHL) are not fully understood, resulting in the widespread use of different polypragmatic treatment approaches, which have not been finally validated in randomized controlled trials. Quality of life (QoL) can provide helpful additional information when selecting the most appropriate therapy within current options.

Methods: In a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical study, Rheopheresis-a method of therapeutic apheresis-was compared with a standard therapy consisting of either intravenous corticosteroids or hemodilution using pure-tone and speech audiometry.

Rheopheresis in patients with critical limb ischemia--results of an open label prospective pilot trial.

Rheopheresis is a specifically designed application of double filtration plasmapheresis, for extracorporeal treatment of microcirculatory disorders. Safety and efficacy of Rheopheresis for wound healing and skin oxygenation were investigated in patients with critical limb ischemia. Twelve patients of Fontaine stage III-IV were treated with a series of 10 Rheopheresis sessions over 17 weeks.